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This easy baked chicken legs recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to make delicious chicken drumsticks the whole family will love. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch!
![lemon pepper baked chicken legs with sliced lemons on a plate.](https://www.meatloafandmelodrama.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/baked-chicken-legs-.jpg)
With only a few minutes of prep time, these baked chicken drumsticks are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Baked chicken legs are also perfect for meal prep. I like to bake chicken legs in the oven on the weekend for a quick lunch or snack during the week. The guys love this!
When it comes to chicken recipes, my family is divided. The guys prefer chicken thighs and legs, and the girls prefer white meat. I usually can please everybody when I make whole roast chicken. But, even the picky eaters love these lemon pepper chicken legs. Plus, chicken legs are budget friendly and cost a lot less than chicken breast. Best of all, this is such an easy recipe that anyone can make it!
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients for this easy chicken recipe. Here’s a quick overview. Full amounts are in the printable recipe card below.
- Chicken legs (drumsticks)
- Olive oil — to coat the meat during cooking. You can also add some butter for extra crispy skin and flavor.
- Lemon pepper seasoning — You can find this seasoning blend at your local grocery store — any brand will work.
- Garlic powder — for added flavor
How to Bake Chicken Legs in the Oven
First, preheat the oven. Then, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up. You don’t have to use foil, but it will save you time later on. Trust me. Pat the legs dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up in the oven. Then, place the legs on the foil and brush the legs with the olive oil.
Season all sides of the chicken with the lemon pepper blend and garlic powder. It helps to press the seasoning into the skin with your fingers. You may have to add a little extra seasoning as some will fall onto the baking sheet.
Then, bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, turning over about halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 170 degrees. The temperature will likely be a little higher, but this is fine as the longer cook time lets the collagen break down giving you very tender chicken legs.
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This lets the juices settle and will give you juicier meat.
Serving Suggestions
Our favorite side dishes for baked drumsticks are stovetop mac and cheese or microwave baked potatoes or baked beans. But, almost any side dish recipe goes with this easy meal. If you want to keep the theme going, make my homemade drumsticks for dessert!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover chicken legs in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in the microwave. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months for best taste.
Recipe Tips
Look for drumsticks that are about the same size for even cooking. If yours are not the same sizes, you may need to remove smaller pieces when done and let larger pieces cook a little longer.
You can switch up the seasoning. Use your favorite seasoning blend or spices or use a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder.
Baked Chicken Legs with Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Ingredients
- 8 chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425โ
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place on baking sheet
- Brush chicken all over with olive oil
- Season all sides of chicken with lemon pepper blend and garlic powder
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is 170โ or above, according to instant read thermometer, turning over halfway through cooking time
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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These were easy to make and everyone liked them. Just threw them on a tray and seasoned. Good food.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
So glad you liked the chicken. Thank you for the wonderful review!
Made these for dinner last night and they were delicious! Love the flavor!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Thanks, Ann. I’m glad you liked the chicken!
So simple and tons of flavor! We had them with lemon pasta and can’t wait to have them as cold leftovers! Yummy!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Thanks, Deedee. I’m glad you liked the chicken!